What is port security?

Port security involves safeguarding the vast port area that the Netherlands, as a major trading hub, is home to. This vast port area, with its heavy flow of goods, is a vulnerable target for crime and terrorism. SERIS specializes in port security and offers customized security solutions. We develop solutions tailored to your individual risk profile. With innovative video surveillance, access control, and experienced port security personnel, we combat crime and terrorism.

Ports are an attractive area of operation for many companies, but unfortunately also for criminals. Because the premises are often large, there are many employees on-site, and the flow of goods is immense, irregularities can be difficult to detect. Our port security guards can take care of all your security needs. Through preventive security measures and the proactive approach of our professionals, we can minimize risks.

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Compliance with the ISPS Code and the Port Security Act

Shipping, as one of the largest international transport sectors, is a prime target for criminals. For this reason, specific security regulations apply to shipping and seaports. These are set forth in the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). This code has raised port security to the same level as that of airports. This code is enshrined in the Port Security Act (Hbw).

Although the ISPS Code was developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities following the 9/11 attacks, its scope is much broader. Its primary objective is stated as “the adoption and implementation of measures to enhance the security of ships engaged in international trade and domestic traffic, and associated port facilities, against the risk of intentional unlawful acts.” As examples of such acts, the ISPS Code cites matters such as the hijacking of a ship and the taking of persons on board as hostages, but also tampering with cargo, ship’s stores, or equipment and systems on board ships, as well as unauthorized access or use. The latter also includes matters such as drug smuggling and the transport of stowaways.

Companies and port security officers in Dutch ports are required to comply with the Port Security Act. If a company is subject to the ISPS Code, it must also comply with that code. That is why SERIS port security officers always act in accordance with these laws and regulations. To provide the best possible security for your port operations and maritime activities, a risk analysis is conducted within the port to thoroughly identify potential hazards. A Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) is then developed.

The duties of a port security officer

A port security officer works in the port area and is responsible for a variety of tasks. There are valuable goods that need to be guarded, but there are also other hazards that can easily arise in the port. There are various tasks that are essential for optimal security.

CCTV

CCTV surveillance provides 24/7 monitoring within the ports. These camera feeds are monitored by security personnel, and if a threat arises, we will take immediate action.

Physical security of ships

To prevent unauthorized access, you can deploy our certified port security officers to secure your vessels. They are highly trained and know how to respond to threats.

Site Visit

If you suspect that something is amiss, SERIS’s port security guards specialize in conducting search operations. Our security guards will carry out an official inspection and conduct searches in a professional manner.

Port security in Europe

As for Europe, approximately 90% of the European Union’s external trade and about 40% of its internal trade is transported by sea. All of this makes the shipping industry highly diverse, with its own specific risks. To mitigate these risks, the ISPS Code prescribes certain measures, including those designed to prevent unauthorized access or the introduction into port facilities or aboard ships of weapons or other dangerous substances and devices intended for use against persons, ships, or ports, the transport of which is prohibited. These measures include strict access control with identification and verification of the legitimacy of visits, body searches and searches (although this is often limited to visual inspections of the contents of bags, boxes, pouches, and vehicles), and video surveillance. Europe has incorporated the ISPS Code into Regulation 725/2004, thereby giving it the force of law in all European member states. The Netherlands has incorporated this regulation into its legislation through the Port Security Act.

Training to become a port security officer

SERIS works exclusively with the best security personnel. To ensure quality, we train our own staff in collaboration with the SERIS Academy. Our academy offers training for port security guards and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO), both of which are essential to effective port security. SERIS port security guards know exactly what is expected of them in the port and are able to act effectively.

Choose SERIS Security for port security

SERIS Security’s port security services ensure a sense of safety in the port. We have experience in various port areas, such as Rotterdam, Moerdijk, Amsterdam, Eemshaven, and the Drechtsteden. We can ensure the rapid deployment of our experienced port security guards. Because we maintain strong relationships with port authorities, including the port police, port operators, and customs, we are always aware of current developments and can respond accordingly. This is how we provide the best possible port security in Dutch ports.

Want to learn more about port security?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Port Security

SERIS provides a comprehensive range of port security services in Rotterdam and other Dutch seaports, such as Moerdijk, Amsterdam, Eemshaven, and the Drechtsteden region. These services include access control at terminals, ship security, site surveillance, video surveillance, searches, and support for the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). All these services are organized in accordance with the Port Security Act and the ISPS Code, ensuring that your location meets international requirements.

In the Port of Rotterdam, SERIS works closely with organizations such as the port police, customs, and the relevant port companies. Our port security officers are familiar with the applicable procedures, share relevant information through established communication channels, and integrate seamlessly into the port authorities’ existing security structure. Because SERIS has maintained these relationships for years, we can respond quickly to incidents and keep communication channels short.

Port authorities choose SERIS because we specialize in complex, high-risk environments, such as the Port of Rotterdam. We combine experienced port security personnel with technology (camera surveillance, access control) and operate strictly in accordance with the ISPS Code and port security legislation. In addition, SERIS can quickly provide additional capacity for project-based deployments or in the event of an elevated threat level. This means you don’t get a standard “Rotterdam security company,” but a partner who understands your port operations and adapts to your evolving risks.

Anyone wishing to become a port security officer typically starts by earning a Security Officer Level 2 certification and then completes a specialized port security training program that meets the examination requirements of the Port Security Act and the ISPS Code. The SERIS Academy offers security training and customized courses that prepare (future) port security officers for work in this high-risk environment—from laws and regulations to practical situations in the port. In this way, we ensure that both our own security officers and our clients’ employees can work in accordance with the appropriate standards.

Yes. SERIS can provide both temporary and permanent 24/7 port security. In the event of an increased threat, major projects, maintenance shutdowns, or peak periods, additional security capacity can be
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